Gendarmenmarkt is admittedly the most beautiful square in Berlin, if not in the entire of Germany, which can explain why more than a million tourists from all around the world visit this site each year.
Fencing in the square you can view Schinkel’s Konzerthaus, the Französische Friedrichstadtkirche (French Protestant Cathedral), and the Lutheran Cathedral. Before the Konzerthaus is a statue of the German poet-philosopher, physician, historian, and playwright Friedrich Schiller. Many of his admirers seize the opportunity to have their picture taken with this iconic figure.
Gendarmenmarkt, which covers 3.3 hectares, has something to offer its visitors all year around.
History
The two cathedrals built around the square were later designed with overwhelmingly large dome towers famously called the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom by the famous architect, Carl von Gontard, in 1785. The magnificent towers were added years later to the two cathedrals in order to add breadth and prestige to the two buildings. Towering over the two churches, the two domes are now home to German and French exhibitions. The French Dome is home to the Huguenot Museum, while the German Dome holds a permanent German Parliament exhibition. Augmenting the two domes may have been the final touches to set this square apart from any other square North of the Alps.
Gendarmenmarkt received its curious name from the French origin, “Gens d’arms,” which was an elite Prussian regiment made up of Huguenots soldiers who were stationed there. The square was originally laid out in the 1700s, commissioned by King Friedrick I.
Summer Concerts
If you arrive in Berlin during the summer season then you can treat yourself to a summer’s night Classic Open Air concert on this photogenic square. Classical music on the front steps of the Konzerthaus positively make for a deeply romantic evening. If you’re interested in attending a grand performance by Berlin’s Symphony Orchestra, you can only find them in one location, Schinkel’s Konzerthaus.
Christmas Market
In the winter months, you can visit Berlin’s notorious Christmas Market here, where many vendors come from all over Germany to sell their handmade designs, cookies, and deliciously warm mulled wine. Take your time admiring the traditional handcrafted items in each wooden booth set with charming Christmas lights and joyful Christmas tunes. If you’re really lucky you can have a romantic evening on the ice rink during the winter’s festive season.
Luxurious Hotels
It should come as no surprise that some of Berlin’s most luxurious hotels, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and shops have established themselves close to the square, further enriching the romantic evening that awaits you and your loved one during your stay in Berlin!
